Sushmita Sen told us that the photo is from her first meeting with Ricky Martin, who was all of 22 then and she was just 18

Highlights

Sushmita Sen won the Miss Universe in May, 1994

Sushmita and Ricky Martin reportedly had a brief affair after that

Ricky Martin's Maria is said to have been inspired by Sushmita

Sushmita Sen just chanced upon an old photo of herself and Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin and had to had to share it on Instagram. Originally shared by a fan club account on Instagram, the photo is a real blast from the past. Sushmita Sen told us that the photo is from her first meeting with the singer, who was all of 22 then and she was just 18. Thanking the fan account for digging out this piece of throwback gold, Sushmita said: "Our first meeting in Mexico, Las Brisas, Acapulco. I was 18 years old and Ricky Martin was 22 then! Now, I have two daughters and he has two sons born from the heart. Our journeys have truly embodied "Livin La Vida Loca", literally meaning 'the crazy life'. Sharing memories smiles of a truly wonderful soul! To your happiness, Ricky."

Sushmita Sen won the Miss Universe in May, 1994 and the throwback photo appears to be from a meeting after she won the pageant. The 43rd Miss Universe was held in Manila in May when she was yet to celebrate her 18th birthday (November 19). After her big win at the beauty pageant, Sushmita and Ricky Martin reportedly had a brief affair. Ricky Martin's popular track Maria, which was released in 1995, is also said to have been inspired by the singer's acquaintance with Sushmita Sen.

Whether the two remained in touch over the years or not is not known but there was some sort of reaction from Sushmita Sen after Ricky Martin opened up about his sexuality in 2010. After he came out as gay, Sushmita appeared the least bit surprised and had told DNA: "All the time I have known him, I've been so proud of him. It takes tremendous courage to accept your own DNA. I knew he was gay. More power to him. It is a fantastic feeling to be able to love who you want to and that's a choice no one can make for you."

Sushmita Sen is known for her interesting Instagram posts. She was last seen in Bengali film Nirbaak and is best known for movies like Main Hoon Na, Biwi No 1 and Tumko Na Bhool Payenge.